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Press Release

ADL: Racist Remarks Made by L.A. Clippers Owner “Reprehensible”

New York, NY, April 27, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called the remarks attributed to Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling "reprehensible," and welcomed the National Basketball Association’s promise to launch a swift investigation.

Sterling was reportedly recorded saying to a friend, "It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people," and in reference to social media posts, he added, "you don’t have to have yourself with, walking with black people," and that it "bothers me a lot that you want to promo, broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?"

"The remarks attributed Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling are reprehensible," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director." If the National Basketball Association’s investigation reveals that Mr. Sterling in fact made these racist and intolerant statements, we expect and anticipate a swift and forceful response."

Mr. Foxman added, "Commissioner Adam Silver must not only make it clear that there is no place for such racism, intolerance, and hate in the NBA, but also that anyone connected with the League who engages in such abhorrent rhetoric will face serious consequences. We applaud those within and outside the NBA who have already spoken out on this issue. It is reassuring and affirming to know that such flagrant racism is so widely regarded as out of bounds."

Amanda F. Susskind, ADL Pacific Southwest Regional Director, added, "In Los Angeles, the most diverse major city in the country, we take as point of pride that our leaders - in business, in government and in the community - embrace and accept this diversity without bias or bigotry. Both are suggested in the shocking language attributed to Mr. Sterling. We hope he disavows both the language and the sentiment behind it."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.